Panthers Prevail by 2 at Home
[Pittsburgh,PA] The Pitt Panthers(9-16, 4-10 ACC) returned home after a win at Florida St., to face NC State (10-15, 3-11 ACC) Saturday afternoon.
Pitt lost both games to NC State last season by a combined 4 points, including a tough 74-73 loss at home last February.
Coming into this afternoon’s matchup NC State Head Coach Kevin Keatts was 7-0 against Pitt. Historically, NC State was 20-2 against the Panthers. Most years this game against Pitt seems automatic, but not today as Pitt prevails 71-69.
The game was back and forth early until the wolfpack opened the game up with a 29-22 lead midway thru the 1st half. NC State Guard Thomas Allen made 3 3 pointers to give the wolfpack a boost off the bench. NC State hasn’t won a ACC game since January 22, a 77-63 home win over Virginia.
Pitt closed out the half on a cold streak from the floor that lasted 8 minutes. Pitt trailed NC State 31-26 at halftime. John Hugley led Pitt in scoring and rebounding in the 1st half.
The Panthers seemed more energized in the 2nd half. 3 minutes into the 2nd half Pitt would take a 34-33 lead, thanks to a 3 pointer by Ithiel Horton.
Pitt went on a 19-4 run early in the 2nd half to take a 45-38 lead. That run forced NC State to switch to a zone defense, it didnt affect Pitt as F John Hugley drew a double team and made a sweet backdoor pass to G Jamarius Burton for a easy dunk.
NC State wouldn’t go away. The wolfpack pulled within 1 point of Pitt, with the score 48-47 off G Derean Seaborns dunk. Pitt F John Hugley responded with a mid range jumper to make the score 49-48.
The game remained close with 5 minutes to play. A lack of focus by Pitt pg Femi Odukale led to a pitt turnover and a 3 point play by NC State G Seabron that would reclaim the lead for NC State. Odukale would answer with a dunk. Once the dust settled it was 61-60 Pitt with less than 3 minutes remaining.
A Ithiel Horton layup with 1:12 left made it 63-60 Pitt. Horton was then fouled on a breakaway dunk. He made both free throws . Horton and Hugley would hit four late game free throws.
NC State F Jericole Hellems would hit a 3 pointer to pull NC State within 2 points. Horton got another layup which gave Pitt 67 points. And another 3 by NC State would give them 66.Seabron tried to intentionally miss his foul shot. Pitt G Jamarius Burton would get the rebound to secure the 71-69 win for Pitt.
John Hugley led Pitt with 21pts and 10 rebounds
Jamarius Burton and Ithiel Horton both finished with 17 points.
NC State had 3 players in Double figures led by F /G Dereon Seabron. 17 points.
Pitt is now (10-16,5-10 ACC Play)
NC State (10-16, 3-12 ACC play)
Pitt’s next game is Wednesday night at North Carolina
NC State next game us Tuesday night at Georgia Tech
Keith Platt Jr. Urban Media Today Sports